So I recently came across a great deal on a pair of turntables + z2. The seller has been awesome in giving me time to gather the money. In the meantime, I’ve become unsure of my purchase. One of my concerns is that I gig and practice on CDJs, so although I’d be getting this setup at a great deal, it’s not really necessary – it’s just a setup I’ve always wanted. My second and biggest concern is using and relying on Traktor. I seldom use Traktor, only utilizing it for my promo mixes. I’ve spent a good amount of time perfecting my beatmatching (duh) and mixing without software, so I’d hate to become lazy, especially if I’m gigging without Traktor. For those with software + TT experience, do you rely on Traktor to catch a beat or have you simply been using Traktor for everything over than using waveforms? Maybe I shouldn’t make the purchase. Kinda confused at this point. I’d like to hear what you guys think.
Can’t speak for botstein but that’s pretty much how I use Traktor. Got it to cut the costs of vinyl and with disabling BPM readout, phrase meter, waveforms, etc it’s exactly like playing vinyl but with access to much more music.
Whoa, didn’t know you could disable those options. Sweet! Once connected to Traktor though, will the turntables become less accurate when adjusting the tempo?
If you put your layout in essential mode, even with 4 decks you’ll have half of the screen for your library. In browse mode you’ll have just a track overview of each deck and 3/4 of your library to view.
I don’t have that much time on decks, but one thing I can tell you is that digital, and traktor specifically, is designed to help you construct a your workflow. You can start from where you feel comfortable and build on top of it. The only bad habits you build, are the ones you allow yourself to build (or map ).
I use Traktor with my 1210’s, and to be honest, I do use the BPM display, as this is used on CDJ’s anyway, I don’t feel like this is cheating at all.
I also, to an extent, use the waveforms, but only for noticing where the breaks kick in, and beats drop, but then you see this on vinyl anyway, and, to an extent, on CDJ’s too.
Other than that, I do my fine-tuning by ear. So match the BPM’s close, then fine adjustments by ear. I don’t consider that cheating as there are no elements of the program I use that aren’t found on CDJ’s, and only the BPM which aint on vinyl, but is on my mixer anyway, so doesn’t really matter. Of course, while the track actually loads up into Traktor, I beatmatch by ear anyway. My last mix I fired through about 10 tunes to find the tune I was going to play next. By the time it loaded the tune I was actually playing, I was already mixing in the next tune, so no BPM help that time.
But it is a great way of getting to play more music. I don’t have CDJ’s anymore, just the 1210’s running TSP, so it works well for me. Still buy the occasional vinyl release, but mostly just download my tunes now, and I find it works well
If it’s a good deal, don’t pass up on it! Try it out, and if you like it stick with it. At the very worst you flip it for what you spent, or maybe even turn a profit.
Yeah, beat matching is so satisfying when you get it right. Especially if there’s no real melody to it to give you any clues as to whether it’s matched or not.
Wish I could offer some helpful advice lol. I started on Technics, still own them, and havent used them in 4 years. I find much more enjoyment and creativity with 4 decks, and Maschine vs mixing like its the 90s hehe. Ive thought about selling them, but just cant; even though Ill never use them again lol.
Good luck on your decision, id personally use that money to advance your traktor setup (controllers, fx unit RMX?) allowing you to do some very cool things with your music after some time spent teaching yourself.
Honestly, I just like to play music. My girlfriend is eyeing a Push and we live together so I’ll have that to look forward to. Along with the turntables and Z2, an X1 is also included in the package. So as far as controllers, I think I’ll be good. But thanks for your 2 cents. If I’m not happy, I can sell everything for a good chunk like Culture_Shock mentioned.
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